Meet the Ohio State Buckeyes
OSU-QuaterbackTroy Smith enters this season knowing he is the starting quarterback, which should help OSU excel early in the season, unlike last year when he was forced to sit out and share duty with Zwick. As a starter he is 13-2. He seems to do best in the big games, having rushed for 145 yards against Michigan in 2004, 237 completions for 300 yards against Michigan in 2005 and 342 yards against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. It is clear he is a dual threat QB, but I think he has become more selective when it comes to tucking the ball and running. He wants to be known as a QB that can run, not the opposite. He has been mentioned in the preseason as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy as well as numerous other honors. Zwick, assuming his shoulder is ok, is a great backup. Not many teams have a backup with his experience and accuracy. All of you Zwick fans don't need to worry, NFL teams are still very interested in his size and accuracy.
OSU-Running Back
Junior Antonio Pittman returns after having over 1,300 yards last year. He also had 17 receptions for 161 yards. Backing up Pittman is sophomore Maurice Wells and freshman Chris Beanie Wells, no relation. The coaches have made it clear Pittman will be the starter, but look for both Wells to get into the mix. Stan White returns as the fullback.
OSU-Receivers
Not only do the Buckeyes have a top QB, but he has some great targets. Santonio Holmes will be missed, but left behind is Tedd Ginn at Flanker, Anthony Gonzalez at Slot, Roy Hall at Split End, and Rory Nicol at Tight End. Ginn has been mentioned in Heisman talks, although it is rare for the Heisman to go to anyone that isn't a quarterback or running back. Many considered last year a slump for Ginn, but how could he ever live up to the expectations, Heisman talk and a Sports Illustrated cover early in his sophomore year? As a backup to Holmes he had 51 catches for 804 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was his best at the end of the season catching 17 in the games against Michigan and Notre Dame. Gonzalez "Gonzo" has proven to be a great route runner and solid receiver. Who could forget Gonzo's acrobatic catch on the 3 yard line to set up the winning touchdown drive in the last minute of the Michigan game last year? Not only is he smart on the field, this three time Scholar Athlete philosophy major has his eyes on law school, oh and he is a Rhodes Scholar Candidate.
OSU-O-Line
OSU has a solid offensive line with three returning starters, Doug Datish moved to center, Kirk Barton at right tackle and TJ Downing at right guard. Filling the other spots are sophomores Tim Schafer and Alex Boone.
OSU-Kicking
Sophomore Ryan Pretorius, a 27-year old former Rugby player from South Africa had a great spring, but due to a strong fall practice by his teammate, freshman Aaron Pettrey will start as place kicker. The coaches want to settle on a kicker, since the position is built on mental confidence, but this battle may not be settled yet. We may see Pretorius take the role later in the season, or we could see one kicker handling kickoffs and the other doing place kicking. Sophomore AJ Trapasso returns as punter, having averaged 40.4 yards as a freshman.
OSU-Linebackers
At Sam (strong) we see sophomore Marcus Freeman, who sat out last year with a knee problems. At Mike (middle) James Laurinatis steps up after playing backup on strong linebacker last year. At Will (weak) 5th year senior John Kerr will start after playing backup last year. He is a transfer from Indiana, where he recorded 114 tackles in his freshman year.
OSU-Secondary
There are some young players in this unit. Malcolm Jenkins, at corner, is the top returning tackler, recording 37 tackles in three starts with nine of those against Notre Dame, all in his freshman year. Senior Brandon Mitchell has played several defensive back positions, but this year he will start at strong safety. At the other corner we will see senior Antonio Smith, who earned a scholarship after being a walk-on. Sophomore Nick Patterson has the tough job of replacing Nate Salley at free safety.
OSU-D-Line
The defensive line has the only two returning starters on the defense, senior David Patterson and Quinn Pitcock at the tackle positions. Senior Jay Richardson has some starting experience, but injuries kept him from taking the role full time, he will start at defensive end. At the other end position is sophomore Vernon Gholston, who sat out last year with a hand injury.
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